Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue. (Eugene O'Neil)

September 2011

September 22, 2011

The third annual NINES conference happens next Tuesday, September 27. The NINES is a way for pastors and church leaders from across the world to meet together and learn from each other. The conference is totally online (no need for travel!) and will feature 99 church leaders from all over the country.

"Having its focus on victims & their families with time dedicated to personal prayer in one's own tradition seems very appropriate to me."

Here's my response ...

Perhaps; but to my knowledge at no other time in American history has the faith community been intentionally shut out of a national event of such magnitude or historic significance. Indeed, for government to mandate such a ban of the faith community at this time seems an ironic violation of the principle of separation of church and state. If they can ban the spiritual voice in this instance, in what other situations will they soon attempt to do so, as well?

Like it or not, this country was founded on Judeo/Christian principles. Nevertheless, I am in no way against the inclusion of other faith traditions, or the right of all faiths to freely worship, in the diverse fabric of the America we enjoy today. My problem is with the historic exclusion (dare I say censorship?) of the spiritual voice by government at this time which, in my view, should not be allowed in any way, shape or form.

My friend (who is a member of the clergy) next replied ...

"When I am invited to attend a commemoration, but not asked to speak, I am not offended. Nor do I choose to interpret the event as a rejection. Clergy have not been excluded. They simply have not been invited to speak.

It is worth noting that no one, NO ONE, has been invited to address the gathered. Names will be read, some of them by clergy. Readings selected ahead of time by planners will be shared. Again, this sounds entirely appropriate to me. I will pray for all those gathered to seek to dwell in unity as kin."

Then I concluded ...

Please understand, I am not talking about people (clergy) being offended, but precedent (in my view, a bad one) being set by the decision of government to ban clergy from this event (as you note, any and all clergy), i.e., from allowing them to do what they do best (and from a historical perspective, what they have always done); namely to offer prayers for hope and healing on behalf of the fallen, their families, and the nation. The decision to "invite" clergy simply to read names, etc., apart from allowing them to offer prayers to a power higher than ourselves is like inviting doctors to an accident scene and asking them only to fill out insurance forms, but not to practice medicine on those who have been injured. Having said this, it is not my intention to denigrate your thoughts or feelings on the matter; I do indeed thank you for your comments.